No I don't think it's simpler, I just think that if I'm gonna spend a 1000K plus for a head gasket job with the possibility of having something else go wrong with it, then maybe spend a little extra and get a low mileage 5.3 cam it maybe port the heads and be done with it.

 

The $1000 is if you pay someone to do it. Are you planning on paying someone to do this conversion for you? Cause I am thinking that price tag is going to 4-5K.

You can find low miles LT1's for about $1000 install should be 8-10 hours. Expect another 500 for Tune-up, Belt, hoses, stuff like that. That is your $2300 budget right they.

When you go the conversion route your going to need a LS1 Kmember, You can pick them up pretty cheap but then you need to swap your whole front suspention over. That kind of stuff is very time consuming.

 

There was a post for LT1 to LS1 conversion that they just had to switch some wires around and change in the tune for computer system. Getting a LS1 OBD II computer to work in a OBD 1 car would not be fun.

We have one member that did a 97 LT1 to 98 LS1 system and it like 3 wires that have to change and the car was drivable.

 

they make harnesses now for around 3-400 bucks, the tunability of an LSx computer is vastly superior to an LTx computer.

 

...at a vast expense

 

Well the 97 Lt1 PCM is the same as the 98 LS1 PCM how can it be "vastly superior" and why would anyone spend 3-400 instead of switching 3 wires? Unless your saying there are wiring harnesses so a LS1 computer will work with a OBD1 computer system? That is a new one on me. Link please

 

The mechanic behind me said his book called for 13.5 hours labor for the head gasket. I was thinking since I've never done one that would be 20-25 hours for me to do it. Guess I could give it a whirl and if it don't work out I'll just get another motor and chaulk it down as a learning experience.

 

LS series engine smug, that's how. Great performers they may be, but the fanboys constantly forget that you pay a massive premium for a Gen III motor.

 

I completely agree with Gorn.

Replacing a head gasket is a simple afternoon project compared to swapping an from an LT1 to any of the LSx engines. It is not a simple motor swap like it used to be in the old days. You have to work with the ECM, harness, exhaust and a ton of little issues that will pop up. You will not be able to complete the LT1 to LSx swap in a weekend and it will cost you well over $2K by the time you are done.

Your easiest route to a good running ride would be to rebuild your LT1. As long as you are just keeping it a 5.7, machine work would be a minimum and parts are readily available. You should be able to be completely done and back on the road for less than a grand. Of course, you will have to wait for the block and heads to come back from the machine shop, so it may be down for a week or two.

 

I don't have to up and running by next week, just racking my brain what to do with money available. Think rebuilding a motor might be above my pay grade, head gasket maybe. Might save the LSx swap for my olds since it's my long term project. Found a fresh machined LT1 block for $500 maybe go that route with cam and freshening up my heads. What do shops typically charge to assemble a motor? any ideas.